EDF EN Canada Inc., a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles Group, announced the commissioning of Rivière-du-Moulin Phase 2 (200 MW). Rivière-du-Moulin Wind Project represents the largest wind energy facility in Canada at 350 MW total under a single Power Purchase Agreement and the largest onshore wind facility to be developed, built and put into service by the EDF EN Group globally.

Located in the unorganized territory (UT) of Lac-Pikauba in the Regional County Municipalities (RCM) of Charlevoix and the UT of Lac-Ministuk in the RCM of Fjord-du–Saguenay, the wind project was developed in two phases: the first phase of 150 MW reached commissioning on November 27, 2014; the second phase of 200 MW achieved commissioning on November 14, 2015. For the completion of the two phases, which represents an investment of $800 million, the project employed over 585 workers during peak construction.

“Contributing to the construction work and seeing this enormous project operate at full capacity is a memorable moment for our team,” said Al Kurzenhauser, Chief Operating Officer for EDF EN Canada. “The Rivière-du-Moulin development team demonstrated vision in the early stages, aware that the challenge was proportional to the size of the project. Considering the large number of turbines, the complexity of the site, the multitude of stakeholders and the constraints regarding the construction schedule, the stage was set for a colossal task. We are proud of the judicious choices taken in terms of human resources, innovation and financial management to make it happen.”

EDF EN Canada announced early this month that DIM WIND LP, a limited partnership formed by a consortium of three affiliates of the Desjardins Group, Manulife Financial Corporation and iA Financial Group, will become a co-owner of the 350 MW project. EDF EN Canada and the consortium executed an Asset Purchase Agreement pertaining to DIM WIND LP acquiring a 42.5% interest.

By the end of 2017, EDF EN Canada will have placed in service 1,599 MW of wind and solar projects in Canada.